New policy brief explores One Health in national food systems pathways
21 September 2026 | Rome, Italy – A new policy brief from the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and its Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) examines how the One Health approach can support countries in advancing their national pathways for food systems transformation.
From Lyon to Rome: Strengthening national pathways for food systems transformation through One Health builds on the 2026 One Health Summit in Lyon and considers how its commitments can connect with country-led food systems priorities.
One Health fosters the links between the health of humans, animals, plants and ecosystems. For food systems, this means considering connections across food production and supply chains, diets, livelihoods, ecosystems and climate risks.
The brief finds that One Health is already reflected in national food systems pathways, but its integration remains fragmented. A review identified explicit references to One Health in 17 national pathways and one regional pathway, particularly in relation to antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic risks, food safety and intersectoral governance.
The brief identifies opportunities to strengthen these connections through existing country-led processes, including national pathway reviews and implementation support and Science-Policy-Society Interfaces. It also outlines a role for the SAC in developing practical guidance on applying One Health to food systems transformation, including through governance, metrics and equity.
The publication comes as governments, experts and partners gather at FAO headquarters in Rome from 21 to 23 September for the Global Conference for Actions on One Health in Agrifood Systems. The conference provides an opportunity to consider how One Health can be applied across agrifood systems, including through stronger prevention, preparedness, coordination and investment.
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 | Join the next webinar in the 2026 Food Systems Solutions Webinar (FSSW) series: 19 November | One Health, One Plan: Turning Global Commitments into National Food Systems Action |
